Taiwan Talk

Resilience has become Taiwan's watchword — but what does it actually mean when the threat could be a typhoon, an earthquake, or an enemy encroachment? Enoch Wu, founder of Forward Alliance and a former National Security Council official, has spent five years turning that question into a training program for ordinary citizens. We talk about what whole-of-society defense really requires — and whether volunteer readiness can hold up without more state support. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

Japan-based Akira Itoh is a "drone evangelist" who has written extensively about the birth and development of Taiwan's budding UAV industry. Itoh has tracked Taiwan's progress as it endeavors to create a drone hub from near-scratch. He also shares his thoughts on why delivering on a 'non-red' supply chain may not be as simple as it sounds. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

Content creator Sonya Chang is the mind behind "Sonya Bites Life.". We dig into her process, what keeps her inspired, and how she turns everyday moments into content that once won her a Zagat Foodie Award for her prominent role in the U.S. Pacific Northwest culinary scene. A candid look at creativity, consistency, and finding your voice online. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo.

Chef John Liu of Los Angeles Michelin Bib restaurant Chifa joins us to talk about his culinary journey and the inspirations behind his cooking. We dig into his ties with Taiwan through his dad, his creative partnership with brother-in-law and noted designer Umberto Leon and how family shapes both the kitchen and the menu. A warm conversation about heritage, collaboration, and the meaning of home through food. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

She's known for documenting the popular Love Boat phenomenon of the 90s and early 2000s. Now, filmmaker Valerie Soe tells the story of the the grassroots network of "aunties" who sewed masks for their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak.The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, is a moving look at solidarity, craft, and community in crisis. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo -- first aired on May 18, 2016.

Betty Song is founder and head of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce Denmark. Sheshares the story behind one of the newest voices in the Taiwan business community abroad. From her early life to her decision to build an organization from the ground up, Betty opens up about what drives her — and what she hopes the Chamber will mean for Taiwan's presence in Denmark. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo.

Taiwan Representative to Denmark Robin J.C. Cheng's career in Taiwan's Foreign Service spans several stints across the United States, Tuvalu, and now Denmark. The de-facto ambassador traces his path from law student to seasoned diplomat, and opens up about what he hopes to achieve for Taiwan in the northern European country. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo.

This week on Taiwan Talk, Tim Berge sits down with Lutz Guellner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan, to mark Europe Day — the anniversary of the landmark 1950 Schuman Declaration that laid the foundations for the European Union. We explore the EETO's mission in Taiwan, from trade and economics to culture and people-to-people ties. Plus, we look at how the relationship between Europe and Taiwan has evolved in recent years. Finally we get personal — hearing about Mr. Guellner's journey to Taiwan, his favorite experiences here, and the local taste-treats he's come to love, and cook!

What do a luxury hotel, a luxury steakhouse, and an audacious vegan ice cream maker have in common? Capella Taipei, Smith and Wollensky, and Nice Cream saw opportunities within the entertainment as well as food and beverage spaces and became successes. I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo talks to them about their recipes for success.